Note: When I was watching for a Western Tanager for a few minutes on the trail that goes through very thick vegetation and trees (below the ponds), I came very close to a BOBCAT. I was standing silently for a few minutes waiting for birds, and I looked below me and this Bobcat appeared out of nowhere. He did not see me and was coming for the trail and if I didn't back away in time, I would've surprised him. Once I backed away, he never looked at me, but turned around and walked back. I doubt he would've done anything to challenge me, but Bobcats have been known to attack and carry rabies quite a bit. I just want to give anyone a heads up who birdwatches here just to be careful, cause a lot of Bobcats are in this area.

May 16th, 2009: Gilbert Water Ranch Little Blue Heron

Hey everyone,

I went to Gilbert Water Ranch yesterday afternoon and I was able to find the Little Blue Heron still present in pond 1, who walked in a pattern back and forth while feeding continuously. He was feeding with other Herons and Egrets. I watched him and filmed from 3 to 4, in which the heat was terrible, but I sat under a big tree along the water line where the heron was closeby, and the tree offered good shade. The heron at one time walked literally 15 feet away from me. He even walked about 200 feet out in the middle of pond 1 to join a White faced Ibis who was feeding as well. By sitting still, most of the other herons and egrets didn't see, to mind my presence either and came very close, and it was fun to watch them.

Here is the link to my video of the Little Blue Heron on youtube, and it has a high quality button at the bottom right corner of the video screen if you wish to view in high quality.

May 18th, 2009: Baseline and Meridian Wildlife Area and Tres Rios Wetlands

Hey everyone,

I went to the Baseline and Meridian Wildlife Area today (115th and Gila River) and Tres Rios Wetlands. God really blessed me with some awesome sightings!

B&M Wildlife Area-

A calling Clapper Rail right out in the open. Not what I expected, but it was exciting! Unfortunetely, I was far away from it on a tall bank that overlooked the river, but because of the birds large size, it still comes out ok. Here is the video link below, and you can hear the bird calling as well.

Sorry for the late post, but yesterday morning I went out to Hassaympa River Preserve in hopes of seeing a Gray Hawk. I heard them calling alot by Lykes lookout, and I caught sight of a juvenille. I saw him from above, where white coverts where very visible on the uppertail. I had a few other glimpes of them flying low through the cottonwoods but not great looks. They are worth going out there for though!